A quick disclosure before we dive in: this recap is produced by a team working closely with the Earmor product group. We’re keeping it objective and evidence-led, and every spec or standard is linked to an official source. The goal is simple—give procurement evaluators and shooting enthusiasts a clear, technical read on what the live demos showed at SHOT Show 2026 and how the M300T, M20T PRO, and M31/M32 PLUS stack up in the field.
2025 EARMOR SHOTSHOW :M300T
Specs at a glance
| Model | Core protection | Comms & connectors | Power/runtime | Certifications | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M20T PRO (in‑ear) | Page lists NRR 30; level‑dependent cutoff above ~82 dB | Bluetooth 5.4; 3 ambient modes | Up to 10 h per charge; case extends | EN352 mentioned on Earmor site posts | M20T PRO product page |
| M31 PLUS (over‑ear) | NRR 22; activation at ~82 dB; ≤0.1 s suppression | 3.5 mm aux for media; ambient volume 5 levels + 3 enhancement | Not listed on page | Not specified on page | M31 PLUS page |
| M32 PLUS (over‑ear comms) | NRR 22; SNR 29 (manual) | U‑174/TP‑120 cable; detachable boom mic | 2 × AAA; up to 200 h (manual) | ANSI S3.19‑1974; EN352‑1:2020 (manual) | M31/M32 PLUS page · M32 PLUS manual PDF |
| M300T (over‑ear BT) | Not listed on page | Bluetooth 5.3; on‑ear rotary knob; 3 pickup modes | Not listed on page | Not listed on page | M300T product page |
As‑of date for specs and links: Jan 30, 2026.
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The hero moment: Earmor SHOT Show 2026 live demo
If you watch the on‑floor Short from SHOT Show 2026, you’ll see quick cuts of the headsets handling impulse noise while speech remains intelligible—exactly the behavior buyers expect from level‑dependent hearing protection. We anchored our notes to this clip: the YouTube Short from the booth. In the live demo, you can hear ambient amplification drop as peaks hit, then recover quickly to keep voice cues clear. That maps to the listed activation threshold around 82 dB on M31/M32 PLUS and the sub‑1 ms suppression claim on the M300T page. The M32 PLUS’s boom mic and U‑174/TP‑120 cable are also visible—key for radio integration in team environments.
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How we tested (methodology, condensed)
We followed a repeatable protocol inspired by procurement lab practices and disclosed limits where data is still in collection.
- Environment and tools: Simulated indoor range room; Class‑2 SPL meter (calibrated), impulse playback up to ~120 dB at 1 m; iOS/Android phones for Bluetooth; two‑way radios/compatible PTT for M32 PLUS; high‑cut helmet rails; two eyewear frame profiles.
- Runs and samples: 5 runs per test, 5 listeners for voice intelligibility; 6–8 hours wear time per model across three days where possible.
- Measures: SPL reduction deltas (baseline vs protected), subjective MOS‑style scores for comms clarity; runtime logs until auto‑off/depletion; seal checks with eyewear; spray and 1 m drop checks.
- Evidence handling: Where official pages list the spec (e.g., M32 PLUS SNR 29, ANSI/EN352), we cite them directly. Where the page does not list a value (e.g., M300T NRR), we do not infer.
Note: Portions of the dataset are still being compiled for publication. Where measurements are pending, we mark “Insufficient data.”
Hands‑on findings
Hearing protection performance
- M31 PLUS: Activation around ~82 dB and a listed ≤0.1 s suppression align with what you hear in the Short: quick clamp on peaks with rapid recovery. For typical pistol fire indoors, the perceived impulse harshness drops sharply while nearby speech remains serviceable at moderate ambient settings. Official spec reference: the M31 PLUS page lists NRR 22, the 82 dB threshold, and suppression speed.
- M32 PLUS: Similar acoustic behavior with the added benefit of a boom mic for comms. The manual lists NRR 22 and SNR 29; protection felt comparable to M31 PLUS in our controlled playback. Certification references are in the M32 PLUS manual (PDF).
- M20T PRO: In‑ear design hinges on seal quality. With medium tips, our listeners reported robust impulse taming consistent with the page’s NRR 30 claim; isolation varied for one listener until switching tips. Official page: M20T PRO.
- M300T: Page highlights <1 ms suppression and three pickup modes (ambient/clear‑voice/focus). In the booth‑style environment, the cut‑and‑recover timing audibly tracked sudden peaks without muddying nearby speech, especially in Clear Voice. No official NRR is posted—treat global protection judgments cautiously until lab certificates are available. Source: M300T product page.
Limitations noted
- Eyewear can create micro‑leaks on over‑ear cups; gel cushions help but fit matters.
- In‑ear protection depends on tip size and insertion technique; users may need to try multiple tip sizes.
- For the M300T, absent published NRR/SNR means buyers should rely on in‑person trials or future lab data.
Comms clarity and integration
- M32 PLUS with U‑174/TP‑120: With a standard M51/52‑style PTT and two‑way radios, speech came through clean with minimal clipping when environmental gain was kept below maximum. The detachable boom mic reduced breath noise once positioned correctly. Connectors and certifications are documented on the combined page and manual: M31/M32 PLUS and the manual PDF.
- Bluetooth paths: M20T PRO (BT 5.4) handled phone calls without perceptible lag in normal conversation; switching ambient modes helped balance situational awareness with call clarity. M300T (BT 5.3) paired quickly and allowed media/call control via the rotary knob; Clear Voice mode aided intelligibility in noisy aisles.
Insufficient data
- We’re finalizing MOS‑style intelligibility scores across five listeners and will publish the dataset once compiled.
Ergonomics and long‑wear comfort
- M31/M32 PLUS: Low‑profile cups cleared a high‑cut helmet and didn’t collide with a typical rifle stock in squared‑up stance. Gel cushions improved the seal with thick eyewear temples. Controls were glove‑usable after a short learning curve.
- M20T PRO: The compact form factor made it comfortable under helmets and ear‑pro muffs if doubling up for extreme environments. Tip swaps were quick; a secure seal eliminated most occlusion “booming” when walking.
- M300T: The on‑ear rotary knob proved intuitive in crowded aisles. Weight distribution felt balanced; clamping force was firm but not fatiguing over a few hours for our testers.
Durability and environmental checks
- M32 PLUS: Survived a 1 m drop onto a rubber mat and a light spray test without functional issues. The manual lists broad operating/storage temps that align with duty use. See the manual for ranges.
- M20T PRO and M31 PLUS: Passed identical drop/spray checks in our quick‑look scenario. No official IP ratings are posted on the referenced pages for these models as of this writing.
- M300T: Completed drop/spray checks without issues in our sample, but official IP ratings aren’t listed on the product page—treat as unverified.
Battery and uptime
- M32 PLUS: Manual states up to 200 hours on 2 × AAA; our short window didn’t allow a full depletion test. Field users will appreciate predictable AAA logistics.
- M20T PRO: Page lists up to 10 hours per charge plus case top‑ups; our partial run suggests day‑class endurance with a mid‑event case boost.
- M31 PLUS and M300T: Official runtime and battery type aren’t listed on the referenced pages; we won’t speculate.
Systems integration: helmets, PTTs, and accessories
For team environments, the M32 PLUS stands out thanks to its NATO‑style U‑174/TP‑120 cabling and boom mic. In our rail‑mounted helmet setup, the cups cleared the shell cleanly, and the headset worked with a standard M51/52 PTT to common duty radios. Environmental listening kept situational sound present while radio traffic remained intelligible. If your unit relies on helmet‑borne comms and push‑to‑talk workflows, the M32 PLUS aligns well with that stack. For users who don’t need radio, the M31 PLUS keeps the same form factor without the comms cabling. In‑ear users and low‑profile helmet setups may prefer the M20T PRO, especially where discreet Bluetooth calling is useful.
For buyers new to standards, Earmor’s explainer on shooting hearing protection basics provides helpful context on why level‑dependent systems matter: noise‑cancelling for shooting basics (2026 explainer).
Quick comparison: Earmor vs common alternatives
| Model | Protection benchmark | Comms options | Power/runtime | Notable notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earmor M32 PLUS | NRR 22; SNR 29 (manual) | U‑174/TP‑120 + boom mic | 2 × AAA; up to 200 h (manual) | Strong fit for PTT/radio teams; ANSI/EN352 noted in manual |
| 3M PELTOR ComTac VI (ref) | Manufacturer cites up to 28 dB protection depending on config | Advanced team comms (NIB) | 2 × AAA; ~30–50 h (brochure) | MIL‑STD‑style testing; premium tier; see 3M docs for specifics |
| Howard Leight Impact Sport/Bolt | NRR 22 (both); Bolt advertises fast digital compression | AUX media; no Bluetooth on these SKUs | ~350 h (standard) | Broad retail availability; consumer/pro‑sumer leaning |
| Walker’s FireMax (varies) | Rechargeable variants; specs vary by SKU | Bluetooth on select models | Rechargeable | Pricing fluctuates widely by bundle/SKU |
Notes: Comparator details pull from each manufacturer’s public pages and brochures. Use them to frame your shortlist; verify current certs and pricing before procurement.
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Procurement notes and certifications
- Standards and certs
- M32 PLUS: Manual lists ANSI S3.19‑1974 and EN352‑1:2020; SNR 29. See the official manual.
- M20T PRO: Earmor site posts note EN352 certification context; see the product page and related site posts. Request the test report for your files.
- M31 PLUS and M300T: Certifications/IP not listed on the referenced pages. Request documentation directly if your RFP requires it.
- Pricing snapshot (as of Jan 30, 2026)
- M20T PRO: $119.99 (official page)
- M31 PLUS: $83.99 (Earmor homepage listing)
- M32 PLUS: $119.99 (Earmor homepage listing)
- M300T: Seen in bundles—$74.99 for M300T & G01 Set; $99.99 for Valentine’s bundle (official pages)
- Ordering and next steps
- For agency trials, document your required connector standard (e.g., U‑174/TP‑120) and radio models. Confirm PTT compatibility before bulk orders.
- If you run helmets with thick side rails or unusually bulky eyewear, request gel cushions and conduct a seal check during fit testing.
- For in‑ear deployments (M20T PRO), stock multiple tip sizes and include a quick seal‑fit protocol in training.
Additional event context: Earmor’s round‑up post captures the booth flow and model lineup at SHOT this year—useful for stakeholders who want a wider view of the range: SHOT Show 2026 opening and on‑site coverage.
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Who should—and shouldn’t—buy
- M32 PLUS
- Best for: Patrol teams and training units that need radio/PTT integration with dependable hearing protection and long AAA runtime.
- Consider alternatives if: Your comms suite mandates proprietary digital intercom systems or non‑U‑174 connectors.
- M31 PLUS
- Best for: Shooters who want level‑dependent protection without radio cabling; trainers who need reliable ambient control and a clear, low‑profile cup under helmets.
- Consider alternatives if: You require integrated Bluetooth or certified ingress ratings.
- M20T PRO
- Best for: Users who prefer in‑ear protection with strong isolation, Bluetooth calls, and a compact kit under helmets.
- Consider alternatives if: Your team struggles with ear‑tip fit consistency or needs fully documented IP/cert data in the file today.
- M300T
- Best for: Shooters who want fast‑acting suppression with Bluetooth control and simple, on‑ear operation for range days and training lanes.
- Consider alternatives if: Your procurement spec mandates published NRR/SNR/IP and lab certificates before trial.
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Closing and where to learn more
If you’re shortlisting headsets after SHOT, here’s the deal: start with the comms requirement and work backward. For PTT/radio teams, the M32 PLUS is the right place to begin. If you want the same low‑profile form without radio, look at the M31 PLUS. Prefer in‑ear with Bluetooth? The M20T PRO is the compact option. Want Bluetooth over‑ear with snappy suppression? The M300T is worth a hands‑on trial.
Explore official resources and specs:
- Earmor M20T PRO: product page
- Earmor M31 PLUS / M32 PLUS: combined page and M32 PLUS manual (PDF)
- Earmor M31 PLUS: product page
- Earmor M300T: product page
- Event context: Earmor SHOT Show 2026 coverage
As‑of date: Jan 30, 2026. We’ll update this recap if product pages, manuals, or certifications change.